The US Supreme Court made the historic decision to strike down a federal law that required states to ban gambling on the outcome of sporting events. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito said the problem with the federal law is that “state legislatures are put under the direct control of Congress.” With the ruling the doors to legal sports wagering set to open, league officials and other involved parties were quick to comment…
“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court opens the door for states to pass laws legalizing sports betting,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “We remain in favor of a federal framework that would provide a uniform approach to sports gambling in states that choose to permit it, but we will remain active in ongoing discussions with state legislatures. Regardless of the particulars of any future sports betting law, the integrity of our game remains our highest priority.”
“The NFL’s long-standing and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of our game remains absolute,” the league said in a statement. “Congress has long-recognized the potential harms posed by sports betting to the integrity of sporting contests and the public confidence in these events. Given that history, we intend to call on Congress again, this time to enact a core regulatory framework for legalized sports betting. We also will work closely with our clubs to ensure that any state efforts that move forward in the meantime protect our fans and the integrity of the game.”
“Today’s decision by the United States Supreme Court will have profound effects on Major League Baseball,” according to a statement by MLB. “As each state considers whether to allow sports betting, we will continue to seek the proper protections for our sport, in partnership with other professional sports. Our most important priority is protecting the integrity of our games. We will continue to support legislation that creates air-tight coordination and partnerships between the state, the casino operators and the governing bodies in sports toward that goal.”
Meanwhile, the NHL noted that “The Supreme Court’s decision today paves the way to an entirely different landscape – one in which we have not previously operated. We will review our current practices and policies and decide whether adjustments are needed, and if so, what the adjustments will look like.”
Monumental Sports’ Ted Leonsis had his own take on the ruling, noting “So, the Supreme Court’s decision today to repeal the federal ban on sports betting and clear the way for legalized sports betting across the country is in many ways the logical outgrowth of fans’ obsession with data. It brings a multibillion dollar industry out of the shadows and into the sunlight, where its integrity can be guaranteed and consumers can be better protected. I believe today’s decision will change the face of sports fandom for the better.”
Caesars Entertainment Corporation President and CEO, Mark Frissora, said, “The Supreme Court’s landmark PASPA ruling creates a golden opportunity to end illegal sports wagering once and for all by creating a well-regulated alternative that sports fans can trust. Caesars is a leader in legalized gaming in the U.S. As a result, we expect to be able to provide safe, exciting sports wagering experiences to consumers across the country, as we do today in Nevada. We plan to announce our specific approach to this business as we better understand the opportunities and regulations which evolve from today’s Supreme Court decision.”
Finally, Brian Musburger, Founder of VSiN, noted “We think this is exciting and long overdue news. People have been betting on sports in New Jersey and across the country for a very long time – sports fans everywhere enjoy a little skin in the game. As the first network dedicated to sports gambling information, we’ve had a unique vantage point through the evolution of this case and this market. We’ve watched sports gambling grow more mainstream every day and it’s great to finally see that folks will now legally be able to take more than a just rooting interest in the teams and sports they love.”